JP4483858B2 - Electrolytic mist generator and washing machine using the same - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an electrolytic mist generating apparatus that enables sterilization and antibacterial by generating mist and a washing machine using the same.

  In recent years, due to an increase in the employment rate of women and the formation of nuclear families, there are an increasing number of households where no one is at home during the day, and there are more opportunities to dry the rooms in such families. Even in a home where someone is at home during the day, if it rains, it will be aired indoors. In the case of such indoor drying, bacteria and molds are more likely to propagate in the laundry than in the sun drying. This tendency is conspicuous when the laundry takes time to dry, such as at high humidity such as during the rainy season or at low temperatures. Depending on the breeding situation, the laundry may give off an odor. For this reason, there is a strong demand for applying antibacterial treatment to fabrics in order to suppress the growth of bacteria and molds in homes where daily indoor drying is required.

  Thus, a technique for antibacterial treatment of laundry every time it is washed has been proposed. For example, Patent Document 1 describes an electric washing machine equipped with an ion generator that generates metal ions having sterilizing power. Patent Document 2 describes a washing machine including a silver ion addition unit for adding silver ions to washing water. Further, Patent Document 3 describes a washing machine that includes a shower injection unit and that processes clothes with water from which shower-like silver ions are eluted. Patent Document 4 describes a dryer for treating laundry clothes with a mist from which metal ions are eluted.

Normally, elution of metal ions is performed using an electrode type metal ion elution unit. In the electrode type metal ion elution unit, by applying a voltage between the electrodes, a current flows between the electrodes, and metal ions are eluted from the electrode serving as the anode according to Coulomb's law.
Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 5-74487 JP 2001-276484 A JP-A-2005-87712 JP 2006-141579 A

However, in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 having the above-described conventional configuration, since water from which metal ions have been eluted is used for rinsing, metal ions that do not adhere to clothing are thrown away as waste water, so that Ag to be used is wasted. End up. In Patent Document 3 and Patent Document 4, since elution of metal ions is performed by a flow method using a flowing water path, only an aqueous solution containing a low concentration of Ag ions can be produced. And treated water becomes considerably large. In that case, since the piezoelectric element optimal for mist generation cannot generate so much mist per unit time, the processing time tends to be long. When the necessary amount of treated water becomes considerably large, it becomes impossible to store the electrolytic mist generator inside the washing machine.

  An object of the present invention is to solve the above-described problems, and to stably and continuously obtain a desired high-concentration metal ion water, and to effectively mist the laundry with the generated high-concentration metal ion water. And

In order to solve the conventional problems, an electrolytic mist generator according to the present invention includes an electrolytic cell, an electrode unit in which a pair of positive and negative electrodes are arranged in parallel in the electrolytic cell , and generated electrolytic water. A piezoelectric element that circulates in the electrolytic cell and generates mist of electrolytic water, a reflecting plate that reflects ultrasonic waves oscillated by the piezoelectric element, a water supply means for supplying water into the electrolytic cell, and the electrolytic cell A discharge means for discharging the generated mist from the discharge port, and the piezoelectric element is arranged in a substantially vertical direction, and a water column is generated by changing a propagation direction of ultrasonic waves oscillated by the piezoelectric element by the reflection plate. The water column is dropped between the electrode parts and circulated in the electrolytic cell .

  Accordingly, the degree of freedom in design with respect to the direction of the water column generated from the ultrasonic wave is improved by reflecting the ultrasonic wave from the piezoelectric element with the reflecting plate. In other words, various configurations can be proposed by combining the incident angle and the reflection angle, and the angle of the piezoelectric element and the reflection plate can be designed to be steep, so that the surface can be prevented from being contaminated with the deposit. As a result, high concentration metal ion water can be generated mist continuously and stably.

In addition, the piezoelectric element can be used for both the mist generation function and the water circulation function in the electrolytic cell. A predetermined voltage is applied to the piezoelectric element to generate a water column and drop it between the electrode parts. It is possible to enhance the effect of circulating in the water to make the aqueous solution uniform.

The electrolytic mist generating device of the present invention increases the effect of applying a predetermined voltage to the piezoelectric element to generate a water column and dropping it between the electrode parts and circulating it in the electrolytic cell to make the aqueous solution uniform. It is possible to provide a device that can generate high-concentration metal ion water and can generate mist of the high-concentration metal ion water continuously and stably.

The first invention is an electrolyzer, an electrode portion in which a pair of positive and negative electrodes are arranged in parallel in the electrolyzer , and the generated electrolyzed water is circulated in the electrolyzer and mist of electrolyzed water. A piezoelectric element that generates ultrasonic waves, a reflecting plate that reflects ultrasonic waves oscillated by the piezoelectric element, a water supply unit that supplies water into the electrolytic cell, and a discharge unit that discharges mist generated in the electrolytic cell from a discharge port. The piezoelectric element is disposed in a substantially vertical direction, and a water column is generated by changing a propagation direction of ultrasonic waves oscillated by the piezoelectric element by the reflecting plate, and the water column is dropped between the electrode portions. Thus, by circulating the inside of the electrolytic cell, the ultrasonic wave from the piezoelectric element is reflected by the reflecting plate, so that the degree of freedom in designing the direction of the water column generated from the ultrasonic wave is improved. That is, various configurations can be proposed by combining the incident angle and the reflection angle, the angle of the piezoelectric element and the reflection plate can be designed to be steep, and the surface can be prevented from being contaminated with the deposit. As a result, high concentration metal ion water can be generated mist continuously and stably.

In addition, the piezoelectric element can be used for both the mist generation function and the water circulation function in the electrolytic cell. A predetermined voltage is applied to the piezoelectric element to generate a water column and drop it between the electrode parts.
It is possible to enhance the effect of circulating in the water to make the aqueous solution uniform.

  In the second invention, in particular, since the ultrasonic oscillation point of the piezoelectric element of the first invention is provided below the ultrasonic reflection point of the reflector, the electrolyzed water is mist from the electrolytic cell. Even when the water level drops due to generation, the piezoelectric element is located below the reflector, so the piezoelectric element can be protected from breakage due to cooking, and the ultrasonic wave of the reflector that the ultrasonic wave collides with. Since mist supply can be continued up to the reflection point water level, the generated electrolyzed water can be used effectively.

  In the third invention, in particular, the ultrasonic wave oscillated by the piezoelectric element of the first or second invention is reflected by the reflecting plate in the piezoelectric element side direction, so that the ultrasonic wave is generated in the reflecting plate side direction. Since the angle of the piezoelectric element and the reflecting plate can be set to be steep, it is possible to suppress the deposition and adhesion of precipitates on the surface of the piezoelectric element and the reflecting plate, and to suppress the performance deterioration. Water can be generated stably and mist continuously.

  According to a fourth aspect of the invention, in particular, the electrolytic cell of any one of the first to third aspects has a recess having a predetermined depth at the bottom, and the piezoelectric element and the reflector are disposed in the recess. Mist can be generated by reducing the amount of water accumulated on the surface necessary for protecting the piezoelectric element as much as possible, and the amount of aqueous solution from which wasted metal ions are eluted can be reduced.

  In the fifth invention, in particular, the electrolytic cell of any one of the first to fourth inventions is provided with a recess at the bottom, a piezoelectric element and a reflector are provided, and the water supply / drainage that communicates with the electrolytic cell in the recess. By providing the port, the water supply / drainage port is directly connected to the concave portion in which the piezoelectric element and the reflection plate are disposed, and deposits in the electrolytic mist generating tank can be reduced as much as possible. Further, by providing the water supply / drain port between the piezoelectric element and the reflection plate, it is possible to suppress contamination due to foreign matter adhering to the surface of the piezoelectric element and the reflection plate due to the water flow through which water supply and drainage pass near the surface.

  In the sixth invention, in particular, the reflector of any one of the first to fifth inventions is made of any one of ceramics, glass, and metal, so that most of the ultrasonic energy generated from the piezoelectric element is The reflection plate can reflect the light from the incident angle direction to the reflection angle direction without loss.

  In the seventh aspect of the invention, in particular, the reflecting plate of any one of the first to sixth aspects has a hard chrome plating on the surface that reflects the ultrasonic wave, so that most of the ultrasonic energy generated from the piezoelectric element is lost. Without reflection, the light can be reflected from the incident angle direction to the reflection angle direction by the reflector.

  In the eighth invention, in particular, a rectifying body is provided above the electrode portion of any one of the first to seventh inventions, and the piezoelectric element oscillates an ultrasonic wave so that the rectifying body passes through the reflecting plate. The water column is generated toward the water column, and the discharge means is configured such that wind is supplied from the side to the water column, so that the water column and crushed water generated from the piezoelectric element through the reflector are blocked by the rectifier. In addition to returning to the lower side, the wind guided by the discharge means circulates inward from both sides of the rectifier, and efficiently collides with the water column generated from the piezoelectric element via the reflector from the side direction. In addition, mist can be obtained by water separation from the water column and crushed water. In addition, by using such a layout, the mist generator can be made compact in the height direction.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the electrolytic mist generator according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, a washing tub for storing laundry, an outer tub in which the washing tub is rotatably mounted, and the outer tub. Water supply means for supplying washing water to the washing tub and supplying the washing tank with the electrolyzed water mist generated by the electrolysis mist generator, so that sterilization and antibacterial action on clothes can be obtained. In addition, an antifungal effect on the washing tub can be obtained. By setting the mounting position of the electrolytic mist generating device to the upper part on the front side of the horizontal or oblique type washing tub, the user can see that the generated mist having an average particle size of 10 μm or less is in contact with the laundry in the washing tub. Since it can also observe, the clothing processing process in mist can be visually recognized.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an electrolytic mist generator according to a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is an external view of the electrolytic mist generator from direction A, and FIG. 3 is an illustration of the electrolytic mist generator. FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. 1, and FIG. 4 shows a layout diagram of the electrode portion, the reflector, and the piezoelectric element in the electrolytic mist generator.

  Two electrode portions 2 are arranged in parallel to the bottom surface of the electrolytic cell 1. The electrode part 2 is specifically an Ag plate, is 2 cm × 6 cm, has a thickness of 1.2 mm, and is arranged with a distance of 8 mm. A terminal portion 2 a for applying a voltage is taken out from each electrode portion 2 through the rubber packing 3 to the outside of the electrolytic cell 1. The electrode portion 2 is fixed to the bottom surface of the electrolytic cell 1 by a rubber packing 3.

  The piezoelectric element 4 is arranged in a vertical direction on the bottom side surface of the electrolytic cell 1, the reflecting plate 5 faces the piezoelectric element 4 with an interval of about 10 mm, and ultrasonic waves oscillated from the piezoelectric element 4 pass through the reflecting plate 5. Are disposed at positions that pass between the two electrode portions 2. The piezoelectric element 4 is an element that resonates at a rated AC of 48 V, 1.6 MHz, has a size of φ20 mm, and the reflecting plate 5 is a hard glass having a size of φ20 mm × 1 mm, and is arranged at an angle of 40 degrees. . As a result, the ultrasonic waves from the piezoelectric element 4 are oscillated directly toward the reflecting plate 5 and are oscillated by the reflecting plate 5 with its propagation direction changed to an oblique direction having an angle of 10 degrees from directly above. Become.

  A concave portion 6 having a depth of 20 mm is provided on the bottom surface of the electrolytic cell 1, and the piezoelectric element 4 and the reflection plate 5 are provided in the concave portion 6. As a result, the ultrasonic wave from the piezoelectric element 4 cuts between the electrode portions separated by 8 mm in an oblique direction from the bottom, forms a water column, and then forms a circulating water path that is dropped and returned between the electrode portions 2 separated by 8 mm. Will be.

  In the electrolysis process, a water column without mist can be formed by applying a 1/2 voltage of rated AC 48V to the piezoelectric element 4. Further, a rectifying body 7 having a substantially semi-cylindrical shape is fixed to the top surface portion and is disposed above the electrode portion 2 and at a certain distance from the top surface position of the electrolytic cell 1. Specifically, it is a semi-cylindrical shape of φ35 mm × 60 mm made of glass with a thickness of 1 mm. When the mist is supplied to the rectifying body 7 having a substantially semi-cylindrical shape, the water column generated from the piezoelectric element 4 collides while being crushed with water, and then the water falls on the two electrode portions 2 and is returned. It is laid out.

  A blower fan 8 is disposed as a discharge means for discharging mist generated inside the electrolytic cell 1 on the top surface of the electrolytic cell 1 about 10 mm above the rectifier 7 having a substantially semi-cylindrical shape. The blower fan 8 is an axial fan having a diameter of 30 mm. The wind from the blower fan 8 is blocked by the rectifying body 7 having a substantially semi-cylindrical shape, passes through a gap of about 5 mm between the inner wall surface of the electrolytic cell 1 and the rectifying body 7, wraps around inward, and extends from the water surface. It becomes the structure which supplies a wind from the side direction to the water column. A mist discharge port 9 is disposed in the upper part of the side surface of the electrolytic cell 1. As the casing of the electrolytic cell 1, a structure in which propylene resin was added with 2 wt% of titanium oxide was used to prevent light from entering inside.

  In addition, a tap water supply / drain port 10 is provided in the recess 6 of the electrolytic cell 1. The electrolysis tank 1 is provided with a water level sensor (not shown), and performs water supply upper limit level management for the electrolysis tank 1 and lower limit level management when mist is generated.

  FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the washing / drying machine in which the electrolytic mist generating device is installed according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6 is a rear view of the washing / drying machine in which the electrolytic mist generating device is installed. .

  A cylindrical outer tub 13 elastically supported by a plurality of suspensions 12 is provided inside the main body 11, and vibrations during washing and dehydration are absorbed by the suspension 12. A cylindrical inner tub 15 that accommodates the clothes 14 is rotatably provided inside the outer tub 13 and is driven to rotate by a drive motor 16 that is a driving means. The outer tub 13 becomes a laundry room for the clothes 14 in the washing process, and becomes a drying room for the clothes 14 in the drying process.

  On the front surface of the main body 11, there are provided an opening 11a through which clothes 14 are put in and out, and a door 17 for opening and closing the opening. The door 17 is made of transparent glass so that clothes inside the washing tub can be observed. The front side of the outer tub 13 and the inner tub 15 has a similar opening, and the opening of the outer tub 13 is connected to the opening 11a of the main body 11 in a watertight manner by a bellows. The bottom of the outer tub 13 has a drain outlet 18 for discharging washing water, and is connected to a drain valve 19 for opening and closing the drain path. During washing, the drain valve 19 is closed and a predetermined amount of washing water can be stored in the outer tub 13. The blower 20 that is a blowing means is provided in the upper part of the main body 11.

  The blower 20 sucks drying air that has passed through the inner tub 15 and the outer tub 13 from an outer tub outlet 21 provided above the outer tub 13, and an upstream circulating air passage 22 provided on the back surface of the outer tub 13. The air is blown inside and is led out from the upstream circulation air passage inlet 23 to the upstream circulation air passage outlet 24 as indicated by an arrow a. Further, a downstream circulation air passage 25 is provided on the outer surface of the outer tub 13, and drying air that has entered from the downstream circulation air passage inlet 26 is blown in the direction of the arrow b, and the outer tub 13 and the inner tub 13 are blown from the outlet 27. Supply into the tank 15.

  In the lower part of the back surface of the outer tub 13, the compressor 28 and a radiator 29 that radiates heat of the compressed refrigerant, and a decompression means (not shown) for decompressing the pressure of the high-pressure refrigerant are decompressed to a low pressure. The heat pump device 31 connected by a pipe line is arranged so that the refrigerant circulates with the heat absorber 30 that takes heat from the surroundings, and is accommodated by effectively using the empty space in the main body 11. The heat exchange air passage 32 is for flowing the air blown by the blower 20 from the heat absorber 30 to the heat radiator 29 in the direction of the arrow c, and the compressor 28 is connected to the heat absorber 30 and the left and right directions of the main body 11. It is housed inside the heat exchange air passage 32 along with the radiator 29. The inlet side of the heat exchange air passage 32 communicates with the upstream circulation air passage outlet 24, and the outlet side communicates with the downstream circulation air passage inlet 26.

  An exhaust port 33 for exhausting the air flowing therethrough to the outside of the main body 11 is provided on the upper surface of the main body 11 in the upstream circulation air passage 22 from the outer tub 13 to the heat absorber 30. The exhaust port 33 is provided with an openable / closable louver 34 so that whether or not to exhaust air from the exhaust port 33 can be selected and the exhaust direction can be adjusted.

  Further, an intake port 35 for intake of outside air is provided downstream of the exhaust port 33 of the upstream circulation air passage 22. The intake port 35 is located between the exhaust port 33 and the blower 20, and an intake valve 36 including an open / close valve such as an electromagnetic valve constitutes an opening / closing means for the intake port 35, and selects whether to perform intake. Can do.

  The downstream circulation air passage inlet 26 and the heat exchange air passage outlet 32a communicate with each other via an air supply hose 37 made of a bellows-like stretchable flexible material, and the outer tank outlet 21 and the upstream circulation air passage inlet. Similarly, 23 communicates via an exhaust hose 38 made of a bellows-like stretchable flexible material to prevent the vibration of the outer tub 13 from being transmitted to the heat pump device 31. A drain water container 39 for storing dehumidified water from the heat absorber 30 is provided at the lower part of the heat exchange air passage 32, and the water stored in the drain water container 39 is discharged from the drain pump 40 to the outside of the machine body. The

  The heat pump device 31 includes a compressor 28, a radiator 29 that dissipates heat of the compressed refrigerant, a decompression unit that includes a throttle valve, a capillary tube, and the like for decompressing the pressure of the high-pressure refrigerant, The refrigerant is connected to the heat absorber 29 that takes heat from the surroundings through a pipe line so that the refrigerant circulates, thereby realizing a heat pump cycle.

  The electrolytic mist generator 41 is disposed in the upper front part of the main body 10. The mist introduction path 42 is configured to connect the electrolytic mist generator 41 and the outer tub 12, guide the generated mist to the inner tub 14, and perform mist processing on the clothing 13. The mist introduction path 42 was subjected to a water repellent treatment to suppress mist adhesion as much as possible on the path wall surface.

  Next, the operation of the electrolytic mist generator will be described. FIG. 7 shows a system flow diagram showing the operation of the electrolytic mist generator.

  First, a water supply process for supplying tap water to the electrolytic cell 1 to a predetermined water level is performed. Water is supplied from the water supply / drain port 10 to the inside of the electrolytic cell 1 by the switching valve, and the water supply is stopped when a predetermined water level is detected by the water level sensor. For example, about 120 ml of tap water, hardness of about 40, and conductivity of 150 μS / cm are supplied, and the water level in the electrolytic cell 1 is 35 mm from the bottom surface.

  Thereafter, as an electrolysis step, AC 24 V was applied to the piezoelectric element 4 so that water inside the electrolytic cell 1 could be circulated. At substantially the same time, a voltage was applied using a constant current circuit so that DC 30 mA would flow to the electrode part 2. The ultrasonic wave from the piezoelectric element 4 is reflected by the reflecting plate 5 and then passes between the electrode parts, and the return water after forming the water column in an oblique direction having an angle of 10 degrees from right above is also the electrode part 2. The effect of making the electrolyzed water uniform by dropping in between is enhanced. Electrolysis was performed for a total of 200 seconds while reversing the polarity of the electrode applied every about 20 seconds. At this time, about 15 V was applied as the DC voltage. As a result, an aqueous solution containing about 50 ppm of Ag ions and AgCl was obtained and was cloudy to some extent.

  Thereafter, as a mist supply step, AC 48 V was applied to the piezoelectric element 4 so that mist could be generated. In this case as well, the ultrasonic waves from the piezoelectric element 4 are oscillated directly toward the reflecting plate 5, and are oscillated by the reflecting plate 5 with the propagation direction changed to an oblique direction having an angle of 10 degrees from directly above. It will be. At the same time, the blower fan 8 and the drive motor 15 were also started. The water column generated from the piezoelectric element 4 via the reflection plate 5 collides with the rectifying body 7 while crushing the water. However, after the collision with the rectifying body 7, almost no energy is lost, and then is blown by the blower fan 8. Water is peeled off. As a result, the mist generated by the piezoelectric element 4 is discharged from the mist discharge port 9 by the blower fan 8 and reaches the washed clothes 13 in the inner tub 14 through the mist introduction path 41.

  About 50 L / min of wind was introduced into the inner tank 14 by the blower fan 8. At this time, the clothing 13 is about 4 kg in dry weight. The electrolytic mist can be generated at a level of about 10 ml / min by the piezoelectric element 4, and the generated amount varies depending on the water level. The mist supply process continues until the water level sensor detects a predetermined water level, and when detected, the piezoelectric element 4 and the blower fan 8 are stopped. For example, if the timing of reaching the recess 6 from the bottom surface of the electrolytic cell 1 is detected, the amount of electrolytic ion water drained thereafter can be reduced.

  The mist is adhered to the entire clothing over approximately 10 minutes while being tumbled inside the inner tub 14 by the drive motor 15. Although the Ag concentration of the electrolytic ion water is high to some extent, it spreads out even to the part that is not attached by the moisture that the clothes have after adhering to the clothes, so if tumbling for about 10 minutes, the entire 4 kg clothes are almost uniform. It reaches the state where electrolytic ion water is attached.

  Since the mist generated by the piezoelectric element is a very small particle having an average particle size of 10 μm or less, it is like white smoke, and the user can observe the mist processing process through the door of the washing / drying machine. Moreover, since the mist which is fine particles floats and infiltrates between the inner tank 14 and the outer tank 12 and adheres to some extent, it is effective for sterilization and antibacterial of the inner tank 14 and the outer tank 12. By using the generator, it was possible to continuously maintain the washing tub without mold.

  In addition, as an added value improvement of the heat pump type washing machine, even when dehumidifying the room where the washing machine is installed, the inside of the washing machine is kept free from sterilization and mold by the mist processing function. Even if it is used, it is possible to suppress the generation of a strange odor.

  Thereafter, as a drainage process, the electrolytic ion water remaining in the recess from the water supply / drain port 10 is drained by the switching valve, and the series of operations is completed. By providing the water supply / drain port 10 in the recess, water supply and drainage pass near the surface of the piezoelectric element 4 and the surface of the reflecting plate 5, thereby suppressing contamination due to foreign matter adhering to the surface of the piezoelectric element 4 and the reflecting plate 5 by the water flow. can do.

  Since the mist supply process to the clothing 13 is performed after the dehydration operation of the washing / drying machine, the water supply process and the electrolysis process are performed by then.

  Here, the antibacterial effect was evaluated on the mist-treated clothing. For evaluation, a quantitative test method based on JIS L1902 was referred. A test cloth glued to 10 places on a 4 kg garment was sewn with a thread. As a result, a bacteriostatic activity value of 2 or more was obtained on all the fabrics.

(Embodiment 2)
Also in this embodiment, the electrolytic mist generator is similar to that of the first embodiment, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted. FIG. 8 is a schematic configuration diagram of an electrolytic mist generating apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Here, a blower fan is not provided as a discharge means, and an intake port 43 is provided. The generated mist has a configuration in which the inside of the electrolytic cell 1 is set to a negative pressure, thereby taking in air from the air inlet 43 and discharging the generated mist from the electrolytic cell 1 to the outside. Referring to the washing machine shown in FIG. 5, by operating the blower 20, a negative pressure force acts on the mist discharge port 9 side of the electrolytic mist generating device 41, and the mist generated inside the electrolytic cell 1 is stored in the inner tub. It will lead to 15 side.

(Embodiment 3)
Also in this embodiment, the electrolytic mist generator is similar to that of the first embodiment, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted. A different part from 1st Embodiment is demonstrated. FIG. 9 is a schematic configuration diagram of an electrolytic mist generator.

  Here, the piezoelectric element 401 is provided on the bottom side surface of the electrolytic cell 1 at 15 degrees from the vertical direction so that the ultrasonic oscillation direction is an elevation angle. The reflection plate 501 faces the piezoelectric element 401 with an interval of about 10 mm and is disposed with an inclination angle of 47.5 degrees. In order for the reflecting plate 501 to reflect the ultrasonic waves from the piezoelectric element 401 well, the piezoelectric element 401 is laid out in a lower order than the reflecting plate 501. In this case, the ultrasonic wave from the piezoelectric element 401 is reflected by the reflecting plate 501 and oscillated with the propagation direction changed to an oblique direction having an angle of 10 degrees from directly above.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, the inclination of the reflector 501 is set to be steeper than that in the first embodiment by providing the piezoelectric element 401 so that the ultrasonic oscillation direction is at an elevation angle with 15 degrees from the vertical direction. By doing so, the deposit | attachment to the reflecting plate 501 in the case of considering using an electrolytic mist generator for a long period of time can be suppressed. In addition, the ultrasonic oscillation point of the piezoelectric element 401 is positioned below the ultrasonic reflection point of the reflection plate 501, and the piezoelectric element 401 can be protected from damage due to empty cooking, and the reflection plate on which the ultrasonic waves collide. Mist supply can be continued up to the ultrasonic reflection point water level of 501.

(Embodiment 4)
Also in this embodiment, the electrolytic mist generator is similar to that of the first embodiment, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted. A different part from 1st Embodiment is demonstrated. FIG. 10 is a schematic configuration diagram of an electrolytic mist generator.

  Here, the piezoelectric element 402 is provided so as to have an angle of elevation of 15 degrees from the direction perpendicular to the inner side surface with respect to the concave portion 6 of the electrolytic cell 1 so that the ultrasonic oscillation direction is an elevation angle. The reflection plate 502 faces the piezoelectric element 402 with an interval of about 10 mm, and is arranged with an inclination angle of 55 degrees.

  In order for the reflecting plate 502 to reflect the ultrasonic waves from the piezoelectric element 402 well, the piezoelectric element 402 is laid out in a lower order than the reflecting plate 502. Also in this case, the ultrasonic wave from the piezoelectric element 402 is reflected by the reflecting plate 502 and oscillated with the propagation direction changed to an oblique direction having an angle of 10 degrees from directly above.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, by setting the inclination of the reflecting plate 502 to be steeper than in the third embodiment, the deposits on the reflecting plate 502 in the case where the electrolytic mist generator is used for a long period of time. Can be suppressed. In addition, the ultrasonic oscillation point of the piezoelectric element 402 is located below the ultrasonic reflection point of the reflector 502, so that the piezoelectric element 402 can be protected from breakage due to empty cooking, and the reflector with which the ultrasonic waves collide. Mist supply can be continued up to the ultrasonic reflection point water level of 502.

  In both Embodiment 3 and Embodiment 4, the case where the ultrasonic oscillation direction from the piezoelectric element is an elevation angle has been described, but on the contrary, the ultrasonic oscillation direction is provided as a depression angle, and the reflection plate transmits ultrasonic waves. The propagation direction can also be changed. However, in this case, the ultrasonic oscillation point of the piezoelectric element is positioned above the ultrasonic reflection point of the reflector, and the piezoelectric element is likely to be damaged due to empty cooking. Absent.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, a piezoelectric element having a frequency of 1.6 MHz is used, but what can be used in the present invention is not limited to this. 1.6 MHz is a general one used in a humidifier or the like, and an average mist particle size of about 4 μm is obtained. In addition, 2.4 MHz and 1 MHz can be used. However, at 2.4 MHz, the width of the water level that can be mist is narrower than 1.6 MHz. Further, at 1 MHz, since the water level necessary for protecting the piezoelectric element from being broken by the idling operation becomes large, it is necessary to further deepen the recess.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, the piezoelectric element is disposed with a recess of 20 mm from the bottom surface of the electrolytic mist generating tank, but what can be used in the present invention is not limited to this. As a precaution when generating mist from the piezoelectric element, the upper surface of the piezoelectric element should not be left empty during operation. Therefore, an available lower surface water level is required, and as a result, electrolytic water remains every time the electrolytic mist generator is used. It is desirable to discard the remaining electrolyzed water rather than leave it until next time. Accordingly, the amount of electrolyzed water to be discarded can be reduced as much as possible by providing a recess in the piezoelectric element portion of the electrolytic mist generating tank. Further, by optimizing the depth of the recess in the range of 10 to 30 mm, it is possible to generate mist up to the boundary line between the bottom surface of the electrolytic mist generating tank and the recess.

In the embodiment of the present invention, the direction of propagation of ultrasonic waves oscillated by the piezoelectric element is changed to 1 from directly above.
Although the case where the angle is 0 degree has been described, what can be used in the present invention is not limited to this. In order to effectively peel the mist from the water column generated from the piezoelectric element through the reflector, it is considered desirable to have an inclination of 5 to 20 degrees. Desirable angular direction of the water column can be designed by combining the piezoelectric element and the reflector well.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, hard glass is used as the reflector, but what can be used in the present invention is not limited to this. Any material can be used as long as it can be reflected from the incident angle direction to the reflection angle direction by the reflector without losing most of the ultrasonic energy generated from the piezoelectric element. Specifically, ceramics, SUS metal, etc. can be used in addition to glass. Further, not only the material but also the thickness should be about 0.5 mm or more in order to give the reflector a rigidity.

  Even if the reflecting plate itself does not have sufficient rigidity, the surface of the reflecting plate can be used by applying hard chrome plating.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, a rectifying body having a substantially semi-cylindrical shape is used, but what can be used in the present invention is not limited to this. A semi-cylindrical shape or a semi-cylindrical shape having an R portion is preferable for receiving the wind from the blower fan on both sides of the rectifier and guiding it to the water column located behind.

In the embodiment of the present invention, a rectifying body having a substantially semi-cylindrical shape is made of glass, but what can be used in the present invention is not limited to this. Any material that does not significantly attenuate the energy of the water column can be used. Resin material Shi preferred because attenuated considerably absorbs energy has the water column wards. Aluminum, stainless steel, etc. can be used in addition to glass.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, a case where 2 wt% of titanium oxide is added to propylene resin is used as the casing of the electrolytic cell to prevent light from entering inside, but this can be used in the present invention. It is not necessarily limited to. In addition to the housing itself being made of a light shielding material, a construction may be adopted in which a light shielding tape is attached to the housing. Moreover, you may make it the structure which accommodates the whole electrolytic mist generator in the inside of a light-shielding member. Unstable metal ions such as Ag ions can dramatically delay the formation of silver oxide by shielding light. Further, this effect is more significant as the Ag ion concentration is higher.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, ½ is used for the rated voltage used for generating mist as the voltage at which mist is not generated for the piezoelectric element. However, the voltage is not limited to this. If the ratio is 1/2 or more, the amount of mist generated gradually increases. Therefore, it may be necessary to regulate the generated mist so as not to flow outside. On the other hand, at 1/3 or less, no water column is generated from the surface of the water, so that the water circulation state is significantly deteriorated. Therefore, the voltage that does not cause mist generation is preferably 1/3 to 1/2 of the rated voltage.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, the electrolysis process is controlled by a constant current circuit, but the present invention is not limited to this. When tap water is soft and the characteristics of tap water are constant to a certain extent as in Japan, the constant current circuit can equalize the effect of Ag treatment, but if the hardness is high overseas, the constant voltage The effect of the Ag treatment could be made uniform by carrying out the electrolysis.

  Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described with the electrolytic mist generating apparatus sequentially configured from the water supply process, the electrolysis process, the mist supply process, and the drainage process, it is not limited to this. A washing process may be added after the draining process. Specifically, tap water is supplied from the water supply / drain port 10 to a predetermined water level after the drainage process. When a predetermined water level is detected by the water level sensor, this time, the switching valve is set in the direction of drainage, and the water accumulated at a stretch is drained.

  As a result, the surface of the electrode part 2, the inner surface of the electrolytic cell 1, the surface of the piezoelectric element, and the surface of the reflecting plate used for electrolysis are cleaned each time. Therefore, since the inside of the electrolytic mist generator is cleaned even when the use interval of the electrolytic mist generator is widened, accumulation of deposits can be suppressed even during long-term use. Even if deposits are generated, they can be discharged outside in the cleaning process.

  Further, a water supply process may be added after the cleaning process. In this case, at the end of the series of electrolytic mist generation operations, the electrolytic cell 1 is stored and prepared for the next time. Therefore, in the first process, the process starts from a makeup water process for supplying an insufficient amount of water with respect to a predetermined water level. As a result, the surface of the electrode part 2, the inner surface of the electrolytic cell 1, the surface of the piezoelectric element, and the surface of the reflecting plate used for electrolysis are cleaned each time.

  Furthermore, since the electrolyzer 1 is stored in a water state and prepared for the next time, the inside of the electrolysis mist generator is not dried even when the use interval of the electrolysis mist generator is widened. At this time, it can be kept in a state in which solid matter is hardly generated. Even if deposits are generated, they can be discharged outside in the cleaning process.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, the electrolytic mist generating device is disposed in the upper part on the front side of the oblique laundry tub, but is not limited thereto. However, since the user can observe that the mist having an average particle size of 10 μm or less is in contact with the laundry in the washing tub by being arranged in the upper part on the front side, it is possible to visually recognize the clothing treatment process in the mist. it can.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, 50 ppm of Ag ion water is used as the electrolysis step, but the present invention is not limited to this. In order to stably obtain the antibacterial effect in clothing, it is necessary to carry 1 mg of Ag per 1 kg of clothing, so 4 mg of Ag is required for 4 kg of standard clothing. The amount of mist that can be generated by the piezoelectric element is about 10 g / min or less. In order to carry Ag uniformly on clothes, it is better that the Ag ion water is thin, but the processing time becomes long. Further, if Ag ionized water is excessively concentrated, it becomes turbid from white turbidity, and there is a concern about harmful effects on clothes. Therefore, in view of the mist generation amount, processing time, and adverse effects on clothing, it is preferable to use 20 to 200 ppm as the Ag concentration at a level of 250 to 25 ml with respect to 4 kg of standard clothing.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, the mist supply process is performed while tumbling after the final dehydration process, but is not limited thereto. However, once the electrolytic ion aqueous solution adheres to the laundry clothes, it can be corrected even when mist adhesion unevenness occurs by using the moisture contained in the clothes, so that high concentration of Ag ion water can be corrected. Could be made available.

  As described above, the electrolytic mist generator according to the present invention can provide a device capable of obtaining high-concentration metal ion water in a compact manner with a minimum number of necessary components, so that air purification that requires sterilization is required. It can be applied to a wide range of applications such as air conditioners, air conditioners, and water equipment.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an electrolytic mist generating device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. External view of the electrolytic mist generator from direction A Sectional drawing of the BB line of FIG. 1 in the same electrolytic mist generator The top view which shows arrangement | positioning of the electrode part and reflecting plate of the electrolytic mist generator Sectional view of the washer / dryer with the electrolytic mist generator installed Rear view of the washer / dryer with the electrolytic mist generator installed System flow diagram showing the operation of the electrolytic mist generator Schematic block diagram of the electrolytic mist generator in the second embodiment of the present invention Schematic block diagram of the electrolytic mist generator in the third embodiment of the present invention Schematic block diagram of the electrolytic mist generator in the fourth embodiment of the present invention

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Electrolysis tank 2 Electrode part 4 Piezoelectric element 5 Reflecting plate 6 Concave part 7 Rectifier 8 Blower fan (discharge means)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 9 Mist discharge port 10 Water supply / drain port 11 Main body 13 Outer tank 14 Clothing 15 Inner tank 16 Drive motor 41 Electrolytic mist generator 42 Mist introduction path

Claims (9)

An electrolytic cell; an electrode part arranged in parallel so as to face a pair of positive and negative electrodes in the electrolytic cell; and a piezoelectric element that circulates the generated electrolytic water in the electrolytic cell and generates mist of electrolytic water. A reflection plate that reflects ultrasonic waves oscillated by the piezoelectric element, water supply means for supplying water into the electrolytic cell, and discharge means for discharging mist generated in the electrolytic cell from a discharge port. , Arranged in a substantially vertical direction, and changing the propagation direction of ultrasonic waves oscillated by the piezoelectric element by the reflecting plate to generate a water column and dropping the water column between the electrode parts to move inside the electrolytic cell. An electrolytic mist generator characterized by being circulated . 2. The electrolytic mist generator according to claim 1, wherein the ultrasonic oscillation point of the piezoelectric element is provided below the ultrasonic reflection point of the reflector. 3. The electrolytic mist generator according to claim 1, wherein the ultrasonic wave oscillated by the piezoelectric element is reflected by the reflecting plate in the piezoelectric element side direction. The electrolytic mist generator according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the electrolytic cell has a concave portion having a predetermined depth at the bottom, and a piezoelectric element and a reflecting plate are arranged in the concave portion. 5. The electrolytic cell according to claim 1, wherein a concave portion is provided at a bottom portion, a piezoelectric element and a reflection plate are disposed, and a water supply / drain port communicating with the electrolytic cell is provided in the concave portion. The electrolysis mist generator of description. The electrolytic mist generator according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the reflector is made of any one of ceramics, glass, and metal. The electrolytic mist generator according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the reflecting plate has a surface that reflects ultrasonic waves plated with hard chrome. A rectifying body is provided above the electrode section, and the piezoelectric element oscillates ultrasonic waves to generate a water column toward the rectifying body through a reflector, and the discharge means winds from the side with respect to the water column. The electrolytic mist generator according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the electrolytic mist generator is provided. The electrolytic mist generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, a washing tub for storing laundry, an outer tub in which the washing tub is rotatably mounted, and washing water is supplied to the outer tub. A washing machine comprising: a water supply means, wherein the electrolysis mist generated by the electrolysis mist generator is supplied to the washing tub .

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